Page 71 - Designing Ways 286

breathing through wounds,” reflects
Mbongwa in her curatorial statement,
“we persist, we insist, we improvise our
existence in a world that often feels like
it’s losing its breath.”
Informed by the Nguni concept of
UKU’ZINZA — being grounded and
calm — the theme explores stillness as
a mechanism for survival, a strategy for
imagination, and an act of aliveness. In
a time when breathlessness is a global
experience, the Triennale positions itself
as a space for reflection, recovery, and
preparation for a different future.

A Dynamic and Interactive Experience
Unlike traditional art exhibitions,
the Stellenbosch Triennale 2025 will
be a living, breathing entity, constantly dance, and performance. The aim is to and Stellenbosch University Museum.
evolving over its two-month duration. activate all the senses, providing a holistic Entry is free to the public.
The intention is to invite our visitors to experience that challenges and delights.” The featured artists in From The
enter a rehearsal space with us, where Vault: Kemang wa Lehulere, Sisonke
some works will exist in a space of The featured artists in On the Cusp Papu, Lungiswa Joe and Andile Dyalvane
improvisation, some in the space of include: Astrid González (Colombia- in relation to the collection at Rupert
composition and intervention, others in Chile),Helen Zeru (Ethiopia), Kasangati Museum and Stellenbosch University
exploration - in the ways we negotiate our Godelive Kabena (Democratic Republic of Museum.
breath and ultimately our aliveness. Congo), Manyaku Mashilo (South Africa), The featured artists in Bioscope:
Assistant Curator Dr Mike Mavura Nandele Muguni (Mozambique), Simphiwe Santiago Mostyn, Campbell X, Gladys
adds, “We wanted the artists to think of Buthelezi (South Africa),Takunda Regis Kalichini, Kofi Ofosu-Yeboah, Ixchel
breath in multiple ways in relation to the Billiat (Zimbabwe) and Tuli Mekodjo Tonãntzin Xõchitlzihuatl, Aline Motta
human body and to start to think of breath (Namibia). and Sara Chitambo-Hatira dw
in expanded ways; what happens when
you breathe deeply? What happens when A Rehearsal for a New World www.stellenboschtriennale.com
you are short of breath? And then, what The Stellenbosch Triennale will take
happens when you can’t breathe?” This place at the Oude Libertas precinct and
conceptual framework will be evident in across multiple venues throughout the
the diverse array of mediums on display, town, turning Stellenbosch into a curated
from visual art and sculpture to sound public laboratory for creative expressions
installations, performance, and dance. and engagements. The collaboration with
the Stellenbosch Outdoor Sculpture Trust
A Curated Selection of International and other local institutions ensures a
Artists across Multiple Venues across rich, textured experience that reflects the
Stellenbosch unique cultural and natural landscape of
The 2025 Stellenbosch Triennale will the region, recognised for its vineyards
feature an impressive line-up of artists and academic excellence.
from the African continent and beyond. This year’s Triennale is more than an
Among the artists participating In The exhibition; it is a call to action, a rehearsal
Current include: Alexandre Kyungu for breathing anew in a world filled with
Mwilambwe (Democratic Republic challenges and possibilities. “Art becomes
of Congo), Aline Motta (Brazil), Aziz an infrastructure for cure and care,” says
Hazara (Afghanistan), Lebohang Kganye Mbongwa, “posing the question: if death
(South Africa), Simphiwe Ndzube (South is the given condition, how do we prepare
Africa),Torkwase Dyson (USA), Thierry to live?”
Oussou (Benin) and William Miko The Stellenbosch Triennale 2025 invites
(Zambia). you to be part of this journey - to breathe,
reflect, imagine, play, and rehearse for the
“We will be showcasing a truly diverse world we want to create.
range of practices,” notes Mavura, “from The Stellenbosch Triennale takes place
sound, sculpture, and installations with from 19 February - 30 April 2025 at Oude
plant life to paintings, photography, Libertas, the Woodmill, Rupert Museum

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